MOTORSPORT AS PASSION.

It narrates the success of BMW M from different angles, describing progressive improvements in chassis technology and insights into the teams of experienced test and racing drivers, innovative developers and engineers. The volume highlights how the brand is moving forward through electromobility and is published in direct co-operation with BMW, using images, sketches and designs directly from the BMW archive.

It features newly photographed prototypes never produced in series. They were living proof of what BMW’s ambitious experts were capable of. They cover the whole spectrum of car manufacture, from chassis to paintwork, from interiors created by top upholsterers to complex electronics. The one-off cars demonstrate what is possible and aesthetically convincing in craftsmanship using state-of-the-art technologies, like 3D printing or innovative materials. Many of the older concept cars went on to become legendary.

These include both BMW M3 pick-upswhich were originally designed to transport components around the factory site.

The BMW M3 Compactwas 23cm shorter than all other versions.  The rear axle had less weight to deal with, which meant that the car was a lot livelier to drive. This was the forerunner of later series models like the BMW 1 Series M Coupé and the BMW M2.

Pure high performance: Nestling under the bonnet of this X5 is a 700hp, 12-cylinder engine from the Le Mans V12 LMP racer. The BMW X5 Le Manshad a top speed of 278 km/h and accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds.

More exciting insights and fascinating pictures from 50 years of BMW M are contained in the new book "BMW M: The Most Powerful Letter in the World".